Kick the Moon (2001) Movie Review

“Kick the Moon” was originally released back in 2001 and was directed by Kim Sang Jin, an eclectic director known for his cult hit “Attack the Gas Station”, as well as offbeat comedies such as “Ghost House” and “Mission Possible: Kidnapping Granny K”. The film is another in the very Korean...

June 25th, 2009 | Read More

The Good, the Bad, and the Weird (2008) Movie Review

“The Good, the Bad, the Weird”, the latest film from Korean master director Kim Ji Woon sees him delving into yet another genre, having tried his hand at horror with “A Tale of Two Sisters” and gangster melodrama with “A Bittersweet Life”. As can probably be gleamed from the title, the film...

June 21st, 2009 | Read More

Sorry for the City (2009) Movie Review

Influential Hong Kong classic “Infernal Affairs” gets the Korean comedy treatment with “Sorry for the City” (also referred to as “City of Damnation”). The film marks the reunion of the popular stars and team behind the hits “My Boss, My Hero” and “My Boss, My Teacher”, with helmer...

June 13th, 2009 | Read More

A Frozen Flower (2008) Movie Review

Although perhaps not as widely recognised as his contemporaries, former poet Yoo Ha is unquestionably one of the most talented directors working in Korea today. Known for never taking the easy or genre approved route, he has yet to make a bad film, and his track record speaks for itself, including the...

June 13th, 2009 | Read More

Naked Kitchen (2008) Movie Review

The popularity of food related Korean films continues with “The Naked Kitchen” from first time female director Hong Ji Young, who also worked on the recent patisserie-set “Antique”. The film boasts an all star cast in the form of “Princess Hours” heartthrob Ju Ji Hoon (also in “Antique”),...

June 6th, 2009 | Read More

Summer Whispers (2007) Movie Review

“Summer Whispers” marks the debut of first time writer director Kim Eun Joo, and offers a pleasingly understated take on the usual Korean romance. The title is certainly appropriate and evocative, as the film has a bright, though almost ethereal feel, dealing not only with love, but also with life...

May 16th, 2009 | Read More

Lost and Found (2008) Movie Review

Following on from her award winning turn in the historical mystery “Shadows in the Palace”, actress Park Jin Hee’s stock continues to rise with the spirited romantic comedy “Lost and Found”. The film marks the debut of writer director Jeong Jeong Hwa, who tries something a little different...

May 16th, 2009 | Read More

Crossing (2008) Movie Review

“Crossing” is the latest film to tackle the North South Korean divide, a highly emotive subject which has inspired a number of heart searching works in recent years. The film represents somewhat of a change of pace for director Kim Tae Kyun, previously known for commercial hits such as the brash,...

May 10th, 2009 | Read More

The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan (aka Riot in a Gibang in 1724, 2008) Movie Review

“Riot in a Gibang in 1724”, also known by the longer, though no less awkward moniker of “The Accidental Gangster and the Mistaken Courtesan” sees director Yeo Gyoon Dong trying something very different to his low budget road movie “Silk Shoes”. Despite its period setting, the film is a kinetic...

April 11th, 2009 | Read More

Portrait of a Beauty (2008) Movie Review

“Portrait of a Beauty” sees “Le Grand Chef” director Jeon Yun Soo offering a fascinating take on the life of Shin Yun Bok, one of the greatest ever Korean artists, based upon the supposition that the painter was actually a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to chase her dreams in the...

April 11th, 2009 | Read More

Romantic Island (2008) Movie Review

It’s really not hard to see the rationale for making “Romantic Island”, with the premise offering gorgeous, sun-drenched tropical scenery, an eye-candy cast, and plenty of laughter and love – the perfect escapist remedy for the winter blues or financial woes. Certainly, director Kang Chul Woo,...

April 11th, 2009 | Read More

Crush and Blush (2008) Movie Review

“Crush and Blush” is exactly the kind of film that the Korean film industry needs more of. A black, harsh though surprisingly moving anti-romantic comedy, it stands head and shoulders above the hordes of cutesy pieces of soulless candy which crowd cinema screens. The film marks the debut of Lee Kyung...

March 21st, 2009 | Read More

The ESP Couple (2008) Movie Review

“ESP Couple” marks the debut of editor Kim Hyung Joo, who previously worked on the likes of “My Dear Enemy”, “Evil Twin”, and “Don’t Look Back”. Perhaps unable to choose exactly a genre, Kim instead decided to combines elements from several, and as a result although ostensibly a...

March 21st, 2009 | Read More

Action Boys (2008) Movie Review

Although the DVD cover art might seem to suggest some kind of over the top martial arts or cop shenanigans, “Action Boys” actually offers a very different, though arguably far more interesting kind of thrills, being a documentary following the lives and careers of a group of Korean stuntmen. Directed...

March 21st, 2009 | Read More

Boys Don’t Cry (aka Once Upon a Time in Seoul, 2007) Movie Review

“Boys don’t Cry” (a.k.a. “Once Upon a Time in Seoul”) was directed by Bae Hyung Joon, who previously helmed the romantic comedy “Too Beautiful to Lie”. For his follow up feature he changes direction entirely, with a tough slice of historic character drama that mixes issues of friendship...

March 21st, 2009 | Read More

The Divine Weapon (2008) Movie Review

The Korean historical costume epic continues to thrive with “The Divine Weapon” from director Yoo Jin, previously responsible for “Wild Card” and acclaimed co-producer Kang Woo Suk of “Public Enemy” fame. Mining a fascinating historical premise for rousing effect, the film certainly struck...

February 7th, 2009 | Read More

Who’s That Knocking At My Door? (2007) Movie Review

The Korean independent film scene continues to thrive with “Who’s that Knocking at my Door?” which marks the feature length debut of writer director Yang Hae Hun, whose short “My Dear Rosetta” screened to acclaim at Cannes. Taking its title from the debut effort of legendary American director...

January 25th, 2009 | Read More

Ride Away (2008) Movie Review

Given the ever burgeoning population of Korean romantic comedies and dramas, any new genre entries have to offer either an all star cast or something a little different in order to stand out from the mob. Of course, given the fairly strict conventions and audience requirements of the form, the latter...

January 24th, 2009 | Read More

Our School E.T. (2008) Movie Review

Despite its familiar sounding title, “Our School E.T.” is not the tale of an alien taking on the Korean education system, but is in fact the latest vehicle for top rubber faced comic Kim Su Ro, star of recent hits like “Vampire Cop Ricky” and “A Cruel Attendance”. In this case, ‘E.T.’...

January 24th, 2009 | Read More

Death Bell (2008) Movie Review

Although summer has long been the traditional time for horror films in Korea, the 2008 season only saw one major release in the form of debut director Chang’s “Death Bell”. As such, the fact that the film proved to be a massive success, attracting over a million viewers and ranking as one of...

January 5th, 2009 | Read More